Enku Ekuta secured bronze in the women’s -63kg judo at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow on Saturday, ending Nigeria’s 24-year wait for a medal in the event and adding another podium finish to Team Nigeria’s growing haul.
The Nigerian judoka defeated Zambia’s Rita Kabinda by ippon in the second bronze medal contest, sealing victory after two minutes and 34 seconds. India’s Unnati Sharma claimed the other bronze medal after overcoming South Africa’s Skye Knoester.
Ekuta’s achievement saw her become the first Nigerian judoka to win a Commonwealth Games medal since the Manchester 2002 Games, where the country last reached the podium in the event.
The 28-year-old began her campaign with a convincing victory over Solomon Islands’ Georgina Samo George in the round of 16 before suffering a quarterfinal defeat to Australia’s Maeve Coughlan.
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She responded impressively in the repechage, defeating Australia’s Qona Christie to keep her medal hopes alive and book a place in the bronze medal contest.
Ekuta then made the most of the opportunity, delivering a composed display against Kabinda to claim her first Commonwealth Games medal and write her name into Nigeria’s judo history.
Canada’s Laurence Biron claimed the gold medal after defeating Australia’s Saya Middleton in the final, with Middleton settling for silver.
Ekuta’s bronze increased Team Nigeria’s medal tally at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games to 21, with 10 gold, six silver and five bronze medals.
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